Council approves $255,730 TLM contract for design of $4 million Sportsplex turf project

The Jackson City Council unanimously approved a contract with TLM for the design and project management phase of the Sportsplex Enfield Turf Project.

City staff said the TLM contract—recommended after a request for qualifications—covers design, drainage engineering and project management, and that TLM will partner with a Nashville firm on turf expertise. The design contract price presented to council was $255,730, described as roughly 6.4% of the $4,000,000 project discussed during earlier bond conversations.

City staff described the timeline as beginning as soon as contract approval and funding are in place, then proceeding to design and issuance of RFPs for construction. "As soon as we get the contract done and the money is there to start working on the design, TLM's ready to roll," a staff presenter said.

Councilman Lorenz asked about turf life expectancy and warranty. Staff responded that life expectancy is expected to be eight to ten years depending on use and that typical warranties will be about eight years. Staff said replacement of turf would not include the full original site work costs—replacement would be turf only and cost roughly 40% of original per field when replacements occur, staged over several years rather than all fields at once.

Staff and council members discussed expected operating benefits and revenue. The presentation projected increased resiliency to rainouts and additional tournaments and teams, with staff estimating that once completed the Sportsplex could host 2,200 to 2,400 teams annually (an increase from roughly 1,800 teams) and that a combination of additional revenue and maintenance savings could be substantial.

The motion to approve the TLM contract passed 8–0. The council did not authorize construction spending in this vote; council approved the design and project‑management contract to proceed to the construction solicitation stage.